6/1/2017

Derek Jeter, The Captain

In the very late 20th century, the MLB team known as the New York Yankees, was at the

prime of their league (subject to change). A young man who goes by the name of The Captain,

led the Yankees to numerous victories in Major League Baseball, that man is Derek Jeter. The

Captain was one of the most involved humanitarian baseball players to give back to his

community through the Turn 2 Foundation, guiding adolescents on the right path to success.

During his career between 1996 to 2014, he would win countless awards from Rookie of the Year

to an abundance of Gold Glove Awards. Jeter would be known as one of the most influential

baseball players in baseball history both on and off the field. Without his leadership and his

dedication to both his community and team, the New York Yankees would not be where they are

in the MLB today.

Derek Jeter was immediately drafted into the MLB after he completed high school in

1992 with a batting average of .500. During the Minor Leagues, he would gain the Minor League

Player of the Year in 1994. In his first season in the major leagues, he would allow the New York

Yankees to take the win against the Atlanta Braves in the 1996 World Series. As a result of their

win in the World Series, Jeter would attain the title of Rookie of the Year, the first award of

many. Within the same year, he was named Best Shortstop in the South Atlantic Leagues.

However, one can achieve greatness from learning from their mistakes. Derek Jeter would have

numerous errors which would lead to one of the worst in the MLB, nevertheless Jeter would

learn from those mistakes and earn him bragging rights for the achievements he accomplished

during his career.

The Captain has a copious amount of awards under his belt, such as Rookie of the Year

(1996), the Babe Ruth Award (2000), All-Star Game MVP Award (2000), a five time winner of
the Gold Glove Award (2004-2006, 2009-2010) and the Silver Slugger Award in the American

League (2006-2009, 2012), two Hank Aaron Awards (2006/2009) and many more. He won

Rookie of the Year in 1996 after winning the World Series for the Yankees against the Braves as

shortstop. Jeter was the 8th Yankee to ever win a Rookie of the Year as well as being the second

youngest Yankee to ever achieve it. A few years later in 2000, he received the Babe Ruth Award

after winning another World Series game against their rival, the New York Mets. he won the

award by ranking first in runs, total bases, many singles and doubles combined from every game

etc,. Playing the position as shortstop, he would acquire five Gold Glove and SIlver Slugger

awards in his line of work. The Gold Glove Award is given to honor the best infield player of the

season. The Silver Slugger Award honors the best offensive batters of the season in both the

American League and the National League, while handing the player a full size Louisville

Slugger bat. Corresponding to the Silver Slugger Award, Jeter also has two Hank Aaron awards.

The Hank Aaron Award is handed to the best hitter, only in the American League and allows the

fans to vote on which player deserves it most. In July of 2011, Derek Jeter would be placed as

the 28th player to accomplish 3,000 hits in his entire career. As soon as he retired, he would end

his career with a remarkable 3,465 while surpassing Lou Gherigs record of 2,722 hits. The

prominent shortstop player for the New York Yankees would retire his bat and glove in the 2014

season.

Jeters journey to greatness does not suddenly end off the field, he continues to give back

to his community. The same year he began his MLB career, he established the Turn 2 Foundation

with the help of his family. His goal for this organization is to see adolescents grow successfully

and Turn 2 a path away from drugs and alcohol. Originally, Jeter was inspired by previous

New York Yankee shortstop, Dave Winfield, experiencing what giving back to the community
means firsthand. Winfield had promoted education and health towards children. Today, Jeter goes

across the East Coast of the United States to mentor students to improve their lifestyle. The

captain accomplishes his goal by empowering adolescents through certain activities by acquiring

different skills that are needed in life such as leadership and work experience. Funded

organizations are presented with these mentors that help prevent substance abuse among kids.

Jeter and his other sports colleagues hosts events to deliver the message that substance abuse will

get you nowhere in life and motivates children to create a trail to success. The foundation also

expose children to internships and allow them to interview influential figures who promote the

prevention of substance abuse. To the students that have accomplished their life goals are offered

scholarships to each high achieving student.

The Captain has inspired many people in the country, from players on other baseball

teams to children all over the East Coast of the United States. Jeter is remembered as a team

player and leader, hence his nickname. He has earned himself numerous awards without the use

of steroids within in 20 year career as a shortstop for the Yankees. When he began his MLB

career, Jeter immediately wanted to give back to the people and community he grew up with. By

establishing the Turn 2 Foundation, he accomplished not only his goals, but the dreams of

children.